[https://i.imgur.com/2ANra6J.jpg]

“ALL ABOARD!” sailors shout while Drac and his party say their goodbyes to the people of Foushire. Lucy and Jane help Marina carry luggage onto the boat. Drac added the last of his things, and there was a tap on his shoulder.

“Lil bro. Father is here with the things you requested.”

Drac nodded and went to the broker. He held a large suitcase.

“Resources are tight, as my bloody shop burned down, but this should do.” Gove opened the clasps on the case. It was filled with vials, powders, throwing knives, a few Teneo arrows, a hook with a slim rope connected, and lastly, a crossbow.

“Stop staring and carry it, please. It's fucking heavy."

“Heh, sorry, Gove.” He took the case of Gove's worn hands. Gove rubbed his back.

Drac closed the case with a grin. “This was exactly what I needed. Thank you.”

“No thanks bloody needed. You waged war on the nobles in this city and won. And you saved Jane... You didn't even charge for your services!”

“Yes, I did. I got your lazy old ass to help.”

Gove laughed with his wrinkly hands on his stomach. “Right, you are!”

As Drac turned around with his new case, Gove grabbed his forearm.

“Four. I mean Drac-”

“Call me however you like.”

“Son. Please visit us when you are done with your city-saving adventures. I will rebuild the tavern. It will be better.”

“I hope so.”

The floors were so grimy and slimy. Yuck!

“Shut the hell up. What I am trying to say is that by the time you come back, a new home will be waiting.”

Drac felt a rush of emotions, but not his.

Let's leave.

“Thank you. I will come to visit you and Maki when I can.” He turned to the boat, trying to calm down his emotions.

You shouldn't have said that. One stray arrow and we won't be able to keep the promise.

I said it for your sake. Our goal is not our end.

This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.

Drac walked up the ramp to the ship. Sailors stare in between working. The scowling faces differ from the looks of admiration he got from the soldier on the watch.

Oh dear.

Maki and Mairna gave each other one last hug on the deck. Both with wide smiles, Maki whispered in Maki’s ear. They burst into laughter and looked at Drac.

They are chatting about how much of a virgin you are.

Hey! If I am, you are too.

Are you sure?

Drac almost dropped the box. The women and nearby sailors look at his fumble with surprise. He blushed and goes to the cabin with his suitcase.

How?!

What do you mean how? How had I had sex? We share the same organs…

Not that! The fact that you have done it!

I moved from town to town. I snuck out a lot and went to shady areas. There was bound to be someone who liked exotic people.

Drac couldn't express how astonished he was, or he would look crazy.

Go with the flow. Your time will come when you are ready. For now, pack our stuff, Virgin.

The urge to punch Hood left his mind when he saw Marina put down a box. She gave him a smile and left to get more of her luggage. He still wasn't used to seeing that face every day, and that beautiful face kissed him.

Hood sighed. Go help her.

Broken out of Marina’s spell, Drac dropped his case hid it between storage and went up to help.

Masts fall, and the captain is at the wheel. The ship left the dock, riding the waves and the wind. Bob, in full armour. walked down the stairs from the wheel after a small talk with Captain. Drac and Marina wave off Lucy, Maki, and Gove. Maki smiled between tears, with Lucy holding her hand.

Ooooh. Ha!

What is it?

Nothing. I'm just wishing my sister well.

“Again!”

A blunt blade struck the air. Its length is longer than the wielder’s body, and its weight is almost the same. Sweat was flying across the training ground with every swing. The swordsman stabbed the large training weight into the ground, gasping for air.

An older man struggled out of his seat with a cane of black and gold. With long white hair tied in a knot and a white beard down to his chest, the handler spoke to his student.

"Alright, that's enough, Axton. Rest for a bit.”

“Yes, Sir.” The exhausted swordsman let go of the metal mass and fell to his bottom on the floor.

“Master. They are coming soon, aren't they? That’s why you train me harder than usual.”

Hooded eyes show no expression. A single nod was given with a towel. The swordsman wiped his dark face and large afro with sweat. A beaming smile grew.

“Oh geez, I can't wait! I wonder what they are like! If they are travelling here, then I must have been to Foushire!

"Enough talking, and start aura training!"

“Yes, SIR!” Axton quickly assumed a meditative sitting position.

“Flare your energy.”

Axton’s aura surrounds him.

“Now condense.”

Axton brought the aura two metres away, closer to his body. The aura became dense and brighter.

The handler threw a wooden sword at the trainee. Catching it, Axton jumped. Slash after slash, waves fly out of his wooden blade, scoring the wall on the far side of the cave.

“Dragon rising!” The trainer shouts.

At the order, Axton swung up with a jumping spin. His aura-covered wood sword sliced the air. Metres high, the young swordsman crashed down with a downward slice. The aura wave collided with it, leaving a small mark.

The old handler whispered to himself, “He is not ready.”